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Flowstate

An app to help writers overcome blocks and self-censorship. Inspired by age-old writing techniques.

What's the big idea?

Throughout history, philosophers have discussed a state of mind known as the “action of inaction” or “doing without doing” that closely resembled the idea of a “flow state”.

Flowstate is a writing app designed to subdue the inner critic, and enable writers to translate their feelings and ideas onto the page without over-analyzation. The writer selects how long they want to write, and enters a full-screen writing session. If they exit early, or stop writing…everything is lost. By blocking all distraction, the writer can fully commit.

“To break out of the box, you must step into shackles”

Describe the nearest player in your field.

Daedalus Touch, OmmWriter, iA Writer, Clean Writer.

How are you different from that player?

Functionally speaking, an app like Flowstate has never been created. The nearest players share similar design qualities: minimalist UI, fullscreen writing, etc, but they don’t offer a unique approach to the writing process. Flowstate is a rigid experience that exercises new creative writing muscles.

How's the world different with your idea in it?

Our world is a hive of distractions, multi-tasking, and cultural ADD. We’ve all sat down to write, only to notice that hours have passed with nothing to show but a myriad of Wiki articles. Flowstate does not allow this. It challenges the writer to “turn on, tune in, block out.” It sets you free.

Why are you the one to run with this idea?

I’ve spent years writing films, plays, and articles. When a screenwriter mentor of mine, Stewart Stern (Rebel Without a Cause, Sybil), introduced me to the ancient practice of timed flow-writing, it changed my entire perspective on writing. I knew the process needed to be digitized and shared.

There have been 2 replies to this page

Terri Spaulding

on July 12, 2012

This idea is super intriguing to me. Need someone to help test/give feedback etc? I volunteer.

Jamie Lynn Perry

on July 23, 2012

I am also super intrigued and would be thrilled to help test or give feedback. I am constantly distracted and experience cultural ADD, which I know my affects writing. I have studied flow theory and it fascinates me. Brilliant idea.